BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – Amid ongoing trade and security frictions, China has announced a series of measures aimed at tightening controls on certain exports and limiting interactions with specific American companies. These steps, which became effective on August 5, are part of broader efforts by Beijing to respond to recent US policies. China’s Ministry of Commerce stated that exporters now require approval to ship controlled drones, key components, and related technology to the United States. This directive does not stop all Chinese drone exports but subjects certain products to a more rigorous review process within China’s existing dual-use export framework.
The new rules eliminate simplified licensing options for shipments covered under these controls destined for the US. Instead, authorities will scrutinize each product, end user, purchaser, and the intended application prior to approval. Existing regulations already regulate specific drone engines, communication devices, sensors, and equipment designed to counter unmanned aircraft. China also bans civilian drones from being exported for military uses. The recent measure introduces a targeted review process specifically for drone products and technologies headed to the US.
In addition to export restrictions, Beijing has barred Chinese entities and individuals from engaging in business with six US organizations, namely Applied DNA Sciences, Stratum Reservoir, Altana Technologies, the Responsible Business Alliance, Verité Group, and Human Rights in China. Officials explained these restrictions are related to US measures concerning alleged forced labor in Xinjiang. Furthermore, an order was issued against Compliance Testing LLC, a testing firm based in Arizona, which China claims supported FCC actions impacting Chinese tech firms.
Drone export controls form part of wider sanctions package
China has also initiated a national security review into the importation of printers, copiers, and multifunction office devices. The investigation covers equipment that relies on operating systems, drivers, or embedded software developed or maintained by foreign companies. The Ministry of Commerce will analyze import volumes, domestic demand, supply reliance, and security implications. The process may involve questionnaires, hearings, factory inspections, and commissioned research. Regulations permit the inquiry to last up to 12 months, with possible extensions under special circumstances.
Furthermore, a separate decision has altered inspection procedures under China’s mandatory product certification scheme. The State Administration for Market Regulation has barred designated Chinese certification agencies from assigning follow-up factory inspections to US-based organizations, which are essential for maintaining product certification in China. Companies now must select alternative approved inspection providers when factory audits are required. The measure does not revoke existing certifications nor does it impose a comprehensive ban on US products entering China.
Beijing links new restrictions to recent US actions
The Chinese government attributes these measures to recent moves by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC has restricted approvals for certain new foreign-produced drones and critical components entering the US. Additionally, US authorities have expanded restrictions under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, adding 43 Chinese entities to the enforcement list on July 31. Products associated with these entities face a legal presumption of inadmissibility into the United States.
Describing the actions as a measured response, China urged Washington to revoke the restrictions highlighted in its statement. The measures concerning drone exports, entity restrictions, and certification procedures took effect immediately, while the office equipment investigation also commenced on August 5. None of these measures target a specific Chinese drone manufacturer or ban all drone exports to the US. Instead, they focus on controlled products, certain American organizations, and foreign-linked software used in imported office devices.